Ford has finally revealed its latest road-version version of the iconic GT, but does it live up to the hype or it is an over-priced, over-rated race car wannabe?

The industry critics have finally got their hands on the road legal version of the 24-hours Le Mans champ and the verdict seems to be largely positive.

Rules require Ford to produce a road version of its successful track winner, but at a cost of £420,000 this is not your average daily drive. In fact, Ford recently confirmed it has already found buyers for all of the GTs it plans to build in the next four years. Each potential owner is vetted by Ford to ensure they plan to drive the GT rather than store it out of sight.

Boasting 647 bhp, the GT features a twin-turbo V6 engine, a seven-speed automatic gearbox, and will do a top speed of 216 mph all-out – rivalling the Ferrari 458 Speciale and McLaren 675LT.

The verdict

However, the ‘proof of the pudding’ is to actually get behind the wheel and take it for a spin – which was what a select few reviewers were allowed to do.

Rob Adams from Autocar refers to the car as an “engineering masterpiece” and praises the amount of technology Ford have adopted to ensure a state-of-the art ride complete with a rear-wing that is controlled by computer logic.

However, he does have some reservations when it comes to handling and highlights a lack of “feeling” which can be experienced on other cars such as the Porsche 911 GT. Adams also raises concerns over the “unsophisticated” engine and “gruff” output.

Overall, it is a positive review from Autocar with the new GT described as “exceptional”, especially on the track.

The news for Ford’s latest supercar remains upbeat across the majority of reviews. Tony Swan in USA Today has reacted well to the amount of carbon fibre onboard and its aerodynamic efficiency. He is also impressed by the overall look of the vehicle, but did express some doubts about the practical elements of the GT.

“As a touring car, the GT probably leaves something to be desired. It’s snug inside – not much elbow room, not much head room, especially when wearing a helmet. And stowage is conspicuous by its absence,” explained the critic.

Andrew English, writing for the Daily Telegraph, also seems wowed by his chance to give the Ford GT a spin. Although he did admit getting behind the wheel was not a dignified experience, with anyone of a reasonable height bound to hit their head on the roof lining – but supercars are designed to look cool rather than practical.

Describing the interior as “barer than a Brighton naturists’ beach”, English is still impressed by the space-age feel of the GT and praises the designers for creating a car that “despite its fancy aerodynamics it still drives like a Ford”.

So, it appears the industry is reacting well to the new Ford GT – although with a long waiting list and a hefty price tag, reading reviews is about as close as many will get to experiencing this impressive model.

What do you think? Worth the money for a bit of Ford history or are there cheaper supercars that offer more?